The scope is a very important gun sighting accessory. These scopes are mounted on guns using rings and bases. And due to the fact that there are different scopes and different guns, each with their own features, different rings are needed to ensure that scopes are properly mounted on the guns. And just the same way it was a hassle for you to find the best gun for your money and a subsequent difficulty in finding the best scope for the rifle, figuring out the best rings for use in mounting your scope on the gun can be a tall order. It is, therefore, important for the process of choosing the best scope rings to be made easier for the newbie.

The big number of brands and styles available in the market today makes the work of choosing the best scope rings even harder. For many people, the complexity brought about by the availability of numerous products in the market leads them to go for that which has been recommended by the manufacturer of the scope. In most cases, going this route is always a good decision. But there are instances when an aftermarket product may offer better quality than that which has been recommended by the manufacturer. It is under such circumstances that knowing what you need and why you need it graduates you from the better to the best.

Factors of Consideration When Choosing Best Scope Rings

a)Types of Scope Rings

The Vertical Split Scope Rings

These rings are considered to slightly be the stronger ring types. This is because each of the products’ halves directly gets connected to the base of the scope. Their downside is that they are a little bit tricky to install

Horizontal Split Scope Rings

Unlike the vertical counterparts, these types of rings are quite easy to install with their bottom half directly clamping or screwing to the base thus holding the scope. The top half, on the other hand, is screwed down over the scope. The two halves of these scope rings are generally always connected with the use of between two and six screws.

There is a new technology that may be informally referred to as the third type of scope rings. These are tactical rings, products which have just recently started penetrating the market and are constructed for a permanent zero maintenance. This means that the rings allow the user to mount and un-mount the scope without having to re-zero it when taking it back in. This design originated with the military. The tactical rings connection is through the use of sturdy “backbone” which makes them be the sturdiest and the strongest options in the market. Unfortunately, they are also the heaviest. In fact, due to their size and weight, they would only be recommended to hunters using those big and heavy scopes.

b) Scopes Mounting System

In your quest to by the best scope rings, you need to understand the mounting system of your rifle. There are some rifles that come with mount bases. This implies that when you go shopping for scope rings, you won’t go for those rings that come with their mounts or rather bases. On the other hand, choose a scope ring that comes with a base in the kit, if at all, your gun lacks the mounting base. In other words, ensure you understand the mounting system of your rifle before you set out to buy a scope ring.

c) The Right Height

Scope rings are bought in correspondence with the scopes that are going to be mounted. If you aren’t yet sure of the scope you want to use, don’t buy these rings. The scopes need to be mounted the closest possible distance to the barrel without actually touching the barrel. This implies that the larger the scope, the taller the rings, if at all the proper height is to be attained. Too high mounting and the user will not be able to see through the scope when the cheek is tightly positioned to the gun. This, in turn, suffers your accuracy. On the other hand, too low rings make the scope to hit the barrel before being secured in the scope rings.

The scopes height corresponds to the size of the rings. For instance, a scope with a 1-inch height will need a scope ring and base combination of at least 1-inch. There are some standard rings in the market from where you can choose from. They are:

Lower Rings: These are usually for fitting scopes that are below 40mm onto a standard barrel

Medium Rings: used for fitting 42-50 mm scopes onto standard barrels

High Rings: They are used for mounting scopes that are 50mm and above onto a standard barrel

Extra High Rings: They are used to mount the 50mm+ scopes onto the heavy barrel rifles or the 55-60mm + scopes onto the standard barrels.

d) Material

There are a number of materials used to make the scope rings. The best scope rings in terms of durability are made using aluminum and steel and their alloys. Some of the other materials, which eventually are less expensive, include the sintered steel rings and the zinc-alloy. The latter two materials need less machining, a fact that makes them less expensive. If you want a product that will serve you for long, go for those rings that are made using aluminum and steel and their alloys. These are high-grade metals that are machined to give the best quality of products and product services. An aluminum and titanium alloy is almost as strong as the steel counterpart but comes with less weight thus would be the best preference.

Reviews of 5 of the Best Scope Rings

This ring set has been designed for those who require a reliably tough mounting system that doesn’t come with a substantially added weight. The Nightforce Ultra light rings feature a CNC machined T6 7075 hard anodized aluminum construction with the cross bolts and jaws featuring the titanium beta series. It is made in the USA to the fulfillment of the Mil Std. 1992

Pros

Consistency in sizing

Quality Construction: The product is one of the best scope rings as far as sturdiness versus lightweight construction is concerned. It is very strong yet ultra light.

Versatile: It is a great ring set for use in a number of rifle options including the tactical, the hunting options, and the operators among others.

Easy to set up

Cons

Comes with standard 6-48 screws which are too small

These are among the best scope rings, coming with exceptional construction that offers the exceptional strength that is rare to find in the lightweight rings. Tests have proven that the combination used in the manufacture of this product is stronger than that of steel.

The great beneficial features of this product begin with the T6 billet 7075 aluminum USA certified construction. The material is held to a .0005 tolerance with the use of precision CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) mill. And throughout the production process, these rings are kept in pairs thus ensuring each set is a perfect fit. They are then sterilized and then finished with the type III anodized hard coat.

Pros

Quality of Construction: The Product features high quality machined parts, an aspect that is evident right out of the box.

Made in the USA: It comes with a VIP vortex warranty

Robust: It comes with an anti-snag, lightweight and rugged design with grade 8 fasteners.

Precision: These rings are matched throughout the production process thus guaranteeing precision

Cons

Only works with the Picatinny spec mounts but not with the weaver mounts

The torque recommendations are quite different from that of standard rings hence lots of care needed.

These are durable rings that will guarantee you great performance if you match them with the best mounts and scopes. They are among the best scope rings in the market.

Burris XTR Rings 1 Inch Medium 420181

These rings were specifically designed for the tactical shooter having an interest in a combination of less weight together with plentiful holding power. It is compatible with a wide range of rifles starting with the smaller carbines all the way to the most powerful magnums.

Pros

Great Pricing: For any person who is running on a fixed budget, this scope ring should be your ultimate destination. It offers one of the best prices to performance ratios.

Quality Built: The product features a super strong aluminum construction for durable performance. With such strength, it is surprising how much lightweight it is.

Elegance: It comes with a matte black finish that makes the product aesthetically appealing

Versatile: These ½-inch sized pairs of rings is versatile enough to be used on almost all the rifles in the market.

Cons

They are old style featuring only a single sided milled-flat recoil lug

These rings have been designed for durability no matter how much use and recoil that it is subjected to. The rings offer a great option for the muzzleloaders, the slug guns and the hunting rifles among others.

Leupold QR 1-in Medium

This is yet another great technology by Leupold. The scope rings feature a unique quick release mount system that allows for easy detachment and reattachment without the fear and hassle of losing your zero. And with a super-close machined tolerance, the product is able to give a very positive fit ensuring that your scope always remains sighted in.

Pros

Durability: It has been constructed using the durable steel material hence sturdiness and durability.

Ease of Use: Its Quick Release Mount System only needs one time zeroing. Thereafter you can detach and remount your scope without wasting any time of zeroing in.

Guarantee: It comes with a full lifetime warranty that covers the repair or replacement of the product in case of damage

Aesthetic: Its medium matte black finish is aesthetically appealing

Cons

The scope rings are relatively too heavy and bulky.

If you have a passion for the military grade products, then this is the product that brings you closest to the military. It is durable, easy to use and provides the best performance in the field.

These rings have been designed for them that are interested in stability and improved versatility. The riflescope medium rings have a 1-inch diameter with a medium height and will be a great addition to your riflescope and firearm accessories. The rail mount bolt of the rings is tightened at 35-inch pound whereas the scope ring tighteners are tightened at 22-inch pounds.

Pros

Features a durable aircraft grade T6 6061 aluminum construction

Versatile enough, being mountable on both the weaver rail types as well as the Picatinny

They feature a sturdy and versatile construction with a great tolerance level

Cons

Made in china

When you make the decision of shopping for the best scope rings within the $20 range, this product tends to be among the best contenders. It is a great scope ring that you would really want to consider adding to you riflescope accessories.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you need to understand that you will need to do quite some work for you to get the best scope rings in the market. Remember that you will have to do your research and even still, you must put some thought into every single option that is presented to you so as to determine that which is best for you. Consider whether you prefer versatility, price or strength before you make your decision.

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